There are four primary steps to becoming a certified officer in Florida:

1. Meet the Minimum Qualifications established in Florida Statutes 943.13

Individuals must:

be at least 19 years of age.

be a citizen of the United States.

have earned a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) for law enforcement and corrections applicants. A bachelors degree is required for correctional probation officers.

not have been convicted of any felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement. Any person who, after July 1, 1981, pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, or is found guilty of a felony, or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement, shall not be eligible for employment or appointment as an officer, not-withstanding suspension of sentence or withholding of adjudication.

never have received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States.

have documentation of processed fingerprints on file with the employing agency.

2. Complete the Required Training pursuant to 11B-35, F.A.C.

An individual must pass a Commission-approved BAT prior to entering a basic recruit training program. The BAT is available at most training schools and results are valid for four years.

2. Complete Basic Recruit or Cross Over Training –

An individual must successfully complete the Florida Basic Recruit Training Program or Cross Over Training Program for the respective discipline. Training must be completed at a Commission-Certified Training School.

Former Florida Officer - Less than 4 yrs. Break in Service

An officer's certification is valid for 4 years from last employment date.

Former Florida Officer - More than 4 Yrs., but less than 8 yrs. Break in Service

Prior to entering a Basic Recruit Training Program, an individual must pass a Commission-approved BAT. The BAT is available at most training academies and is valid for four years.

2. Complete Basic Recruit or Cross Over Training –

An individual must successfully complete the Florida Basic Recruit Training Program or Cross Over Training Program for the respective discipline. Training must be completed at a Commission-certified training school.

Out of State, Federal, or Military Officers - Active officers or less than 8 yrs. break in service

4. Become Employed as a sworn officer pursuant to Florida Statutes 943.1395

Individuals who have completed the required Basic Recruit Training and passed the State Officer Certification Examination have four years from the start date of their Basic Recruit Training Program to become employed as an officer in Florida.

Certification Process - Obtaining a "Certificate of Compliance"

1. To be eligible for application of a "Certificate of Compliance", an applicant must:

Complete the required training,

Pass the SOCE (This alone does not necessarily entitle an applicant to receive the Certificate of Compliance),

Become employed in the discipline in which certification is sought,

Have processed fingerprints on file with the employing agency.

2. The individuals' employing agency will apply for the Certificate of Compliance.

3. After confirming all requirements, the officer’s certificate is issued by the FDLE Records section.

For more information concerning the certification process, contact the Records Section at (850) 410-8600.